CORPUS CHRISTI - Police seized nearly $318,000 worth of synthetic marijuana during Operation: Imitation Nation through the service of eight search warrants on area businesses.

The locations sold synthetic marijuana, which is an illegal substance according to Texas health and safety code, officials said. Narcotics officers seized nearly 40 pounds of the substance, which often is advertised as legal or mislabeled as potpourri, police have said. Some packets sell for about $25 — a figure officials have said substantiates the fact that it is not potpourri — and according to police figures, that means a pound sells for nearly $800.

Also seized during the operation were pipes and bongs, which are illegal to sell under city ordinance.

Police and District Attorney Mark Skurka have said eradicating synthetic marijuana is one of their goals, as the chemical compounds can cause myriad health issues including anxiety, paranoia, elevated heart rate, blood pressure and nausea.